Have questions or want to discuss cycling? Join Now or Sign In to participate in the BikeRide community.

New: Take Part in the March Giveaway: Coming Soon 3/24


What size (diameter) handlebar do I need?
#1
Hi folks,

I inherited a mid-1980s Raleigh Olympian with a mixte frame and what I'll describe as "around-town" handlebars that put you in an upright position. I'd like to put drop bars on it instead. Anyone know what size (diameter) handlebar I would need to get?

This is a project bike for me. I understand I will need new brake levers. The brakes are only so-so, so I may replace those as well. Otherwise, the bike is in pretty good shape. I just don't like the riding position it puts me in.

So, any help with this would be great! I can take a pic if necessary.

Thanks!
Sam
Also, it has a quill stem.
  Reply
#2
Hi Sam

Best is to measure, most likely it is 25.4mm.
http://www.amazon.com/Soma-Fabrications-Track-Bicycle-Handlebar/dp/B002XYYL4W/

You could also replace your stem.....
http://www.amazon.com/Origin8-Threaded-Threadless-Quill-Adapter/dp/B0037N6PEC/

Brakes, the best for your bike are Tektro R559 Nutted Mount Version Dual-Pivot Calipers which I was only able to find from Harris. I believe that they special order them. They have a longer bolt to fit older forks without modification.
http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/brake-calipers.html

I like Tektro levers also.
Nigel
  Reply
#3
Sam,

Most likely 25.4 clamp diameter with the usual 23.8 diameter for your brake levers. If you're worried/compulsive, take the bike to a good LBS and they can micrometer the current bar or simply glance at it and tell you: 25.4/23.8.

Velo Orange can probably put together a package of what you need and want including brakes, levers, bars and stem. The Nitto B115 or Nitto B135 would be sweet, but keep in mind reach and drop factors with mixtes. Give VO a call, they're nice.

http://store.velo-orange.com/index.php/components/brakes/calipers/tektro-r559-extra-long-reach-brakes.html

http://store.velo-orange.com/index.php/components.html
  Reply
#4
Pics are optional but would love to see one of you project Smile
Good maintenance to your Bike, can make it like the wheels are, true and smooth!
  Reply


Forum Jump:

[-]
10 Latest Posts
Expensive bikes with crappy wheels
Today 10:15 AM
Santini fluted frame
Today 07:44 AM
Where are you from and What is your favo...
Yesterday 11:43 PM
2007 Trek Pilot S.P.A. 5.2
Yesterday 07:06 PM
2010 Specialized Hardrock
03-26-2024 09:16 PM
1990 Specialized Rockhopper How to Fluff...
03-25-2024 07:05 PM
Thread busted on right pedal crank
03-24-2024 08:52 PM
Trek domane tyre
03-24-2024 05:48 PM
Modern rims crack at spoke holes
03-24-2024 05:32 PM
Cup & Cone — Simple & Durable or PITA & ...
03-24-2024 04:53 PM

[-]
Join BikeRide on Strava
Feel free to join if you are on Strava: www.strava.com/clubs/bikeridecom

[-]
Top 5 Posters This Month
no avatar 1. Painkiller
21 posts
no avatar 2. ReapThaWhirlwind
16 posts
no avatar 3. GirishH
15 posts
no avatar 4. meamoantonio
15 posts
no avatar 5. Jesper
15 posts